Integrated mechanical, electrical and plumbing appliance for a building

ABSTRACT

An integrated mechanical, electrical and plumbing appliance includes a housing defining a space occupied by an air treatment system, an electric power system, and a water treatment system. The electric power system includes a divides electrical power from an electrical power source connection into electrical circuit feeds for delivery within the housing to the air treatment system and the water treatment system, and to a building. The air treatment system includes receives exhaust air from the building and uses the exhaust air to precondition outdoor air, and receives return air from the building and conditions the return air. The water treatment system receives water from outside the building and divides the water into a water flow for output to the building and water flow to be filtered, filters water and outputs unheated water to the building, and heats water for output to the building.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/403,888, titled “INTEGRATED MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING APPLIANCE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES AND BUILDINGS,” filed Oct. 4, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety for any and all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to building technology. More particularly, the present disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices that can supply power, conditioned air, filtered hot and cold water, and/or automation and controls services for a building.

BACKGROUND

In existing systems, homes rely on disparate heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC), plumbing, electrical, data, and controls systems to operate. These devices or systems are usually sourced and installed by the builder and/or disparate trade professionals on the building site at various stages during the building process. Currently, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems must be re-engineered for each new home design, with climate, floorplan layout, size, local cost of energy, contractor knowledge, and equipment availability driving the overall systems design. This process is usually carried out in separate streams by trade-specific professionals, and must be managed by the general contractor or construction manager. Existing prefabricated units can also be expensive, inefficient, and difficult to prefabricate, move and install.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to systems and devices (e.g., a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) appliance) that can supply power, conditioned air, filtered hot and cold water, and/or automation and controls services for a home or other building. Such systems can be designed to be easy to ship and handle on site, to integrate directly into the building envelope, and to make it simple and efficient for general tradespeople to attach plumbing lines, electrical wires, and ducts. As compared to existing systems, an MEP appliance can be situated in any location on a floor plan, including but not limited to any location along the building envelope. By manufacturing the MEP appliance as a full-service appliance, leaving minimal peripheral connections to be made on site that do not require a specialized tradesman, build time and overall project cost can be reduced significantly. Increased coordination and interaction between different MEP components (for example, using the same outdoor heat pump to address hot water and space heating or cooling needs) can help to meet increasingly demanding energy performance standards being added to building codes nationwide.

For example, in some embodiments, an MEP appliance includes mechanical (e.g., HVAC), electrical, and plumbing components and interfaces configured, sized, having an appropriate capacity, and/or shaped to receive services from outside the building. For example, the MEP appliance can include an inverter having a capacity corresponding to a typical rooftop solar photovoltaic array in order to power actions of the MEP appliance and deliver energy to the building; and an energy recovery ventilator, compressor, and heat pump having capacities with minimal energy demand. For example, the capacities of the components of the MEP appliance may correspond to an air demand for the building (e.g., capacities sufficient to handle air demand for the building but low enough such that the devices have a relatively small size and/or have a minimal energy demand or an energy demand less than a capacity of a rooftop solar PV array).

The MEP appliance can reduce overall energy demand by air-tight construction, more significant insulation, higher efficiency appliances, and smart control and automation strategies. For example, the MEP appliance can include insulated wall panels and other insulating materials (e.g., gaskets) such that the MEP appliance can be installed in a manner that does not disrupt the thermal envelope of the building (e.g., meets envelope quality criteria or thresholds). The MEP appliance can allow engineers to design a system that will tie together all of these systems together and provide a unified, simple controls interface and effective automation strategies. For example, the MEP appliance can include components positioned, configured, or arranged to have access interfaces, such as for service or maintenance by an owner or service professional, facing an access-side of the MEP appliance, such that removable access panels can facilitate access to the components. In addition, the MEP appliance can internalize the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components, while providing exterior interfaces on wall panels for connecting to central ventilation, air sources, water lines, and electrical lines, making the MEP appliance modular and capable of being installed anywhere in the building.

The MEP appliance can reduce PV installation costs by connecting and configuring the power inverter to the circuit breaker panel, AC and DC cutoff switches, and batteries during the unit prefabrication process. The MEP appliance can provide all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and automation and controls services of a building. In some embodiments, the total energy required to support the functions of the MEP appliance is less than the energy provided from a PV array (e.g., a rooftop PV array) and a power storage device connected to the MEP appliance (and connected, for example, to the PV array, to store energy generated by the PV array) such that the MEP appliance does not require energy from another energy source, which can enable an off-the-grid configuration.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance includes a freestanding chassis that houses MEP systems needed to operate a building, and the connections or interfaces necessary to connect the MEP systems to remote services or peripheral devices (e.g., wires, ducts, pipes, wireless data, etc.) which will deliver services to the building via the MEP appliance.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an MEP includes a housing defining a space and including at least one outdoor air input port, at least one outdoor exhaust air output port, at least one exhaust air input port, at least one of (1) at least one return air input port or (2) at least one refrigerant output port, and at least one air supply output port coupled to an air treatment system occupying a first portion of the space, at least one electrical input port and at least one electrical output port coupled to an electric power system occupying a second portion of the space, at least one water input port, at least one unfiltered water output port, at least one unheated filtered water output port, and at least one heated filtered water output port coupled to a water treatment system occupying a third portion of the space, and at least one water drain port coupled to a water drain system occupying a fourth portion of the space. The electric power system includes a breaker panel configured to divide electrical power received from an electrical grid connection via the at least one electrical input port into a plurality of electrical circuit feeds. The electric power system is configured to deliver, via a first internal connection within the housing, electrical power to the air treatment system via a first electrical circuit feed of the plurality of electrical circuit feeds; deliver, via a second internal connection within the housing, electrical power to the water treatment system via a second electrical circuit feed of the plurality of electrical circuit feeds; and deliver electrical power to the building via at least one third electrical circuit feed of the plurality of electrical circuit feeds through the at least one electrical output port. The air treatment system includes an energy recovery ventilator and at least one of (1) an air conditioning device or (2) a refrigerant manifold. The energy recovery ventilator is configured to receive exhaust air from the building via the at least one exhaust input port, receive outdoor air from the at least one outdoor air input port, and use the exhaust air to precondition the outdoor air. The air conditioning device is configured to receive return air from the at least one return air input port, and condition the return air. The refrigerant manifold is configured to transport refrigerant between a heat pump disposed outside of the building and one or more building air conditioning devices disposed within the building and remote from the housing via the at least one refrigerant output port, the one or more building air conditioning devices configured to condition air in the building using the refrigerant. The water treatment system includes at least one water divider, a water filter, and a water heater. The at least one water divider is configured to receive water from outside the building via the at least one water input port, and divide the water into an unfiltered water flow for output to the building via the at least one unfiltered water output port and water flow to be filtered. The water filter is configured to receive the water flow to be filtered from the at least one water divider, filter the water flow to be filtered, and divide the filtered water into an unheated filtered water flow for output to the building via the at least one unheated filtered water output port and a water flow to be heated. The water heater is configured to receive the water flow to be heated from the water filter, and heat the water flow to be heated into heated filtered water for output to the building via the at least one heated filtered water output port. The water drain system is configured to receive water from the hot water heater, the water filter, and the air conditioning device, and output the water from the housing to a drain via the at least one water drain port.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of installing an MEP appliance includes positioning the MEP appliance at a location within or proximate to a building. The MEP appliance includes a housing defining a space and including at least one outdoor air input port, at least one outdoor exhaust air output port, at least one exhaust air input port, at least one of (1) at least one return air input port or (2) at least one refrigerant output port, and at least one air supply output port coupled to an air treatment system occupying a first portion of the space, at least one electrical input port and at least one electrical output port coupled to an electric power system occupying a second portion of the space, at least one water input port, at least one unfiltered water output port, at least one unheated filtered water output port, and at least one heated filtered water output port coupled to a water treatment system occupying a third portion of the space, and at least one water drain port coupled to a water drain system occupying a fourth portion of the space. The method includes coupling an electrical grid connection to the at least one electrical input port to provide electrical power to the electric power system. The method includes coupling at least one removable electrical coupler to the at least one electrical output port. The method includes coupling at least one removable plumbing connector to the at least one unfiltered water output port, the at least one unheated filtered water output port, and the at least one heated filtered water output port. The method includes coupling an input water source to the at least one water input port to provide water for the water treatment system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a view of an embodiment of a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) appliance when fully enclosed.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the MEP appliance of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an isometric view of an embodiment of the MEP appliance of FIG. 1A from an outdoor side.

FIG. 1D is an isometric view of an embodiment of the MEP appliance of FIG. 1A from an indoor side.

FIG. 1E is a view of an embodiment of an MEP appliance with surrounding wall panels, floor panels, and utility connections.

FIG. 1F is an isometric view of an embodiment of an MEP appliance having access panels removed from an indoor side.

FIG. 1G is a rear view of an embodiment of components of an MEP appliance from an outdoor side.

FIG. 1H is a side view of an embodiment of the components of the MEP appliance of FIG. 7.

FIG. 1I is an isometric view of an embodiment of the components of the MEP appliance of FIG. 7 from an indoor side.

FIG. 1II is a detail view of an embodiment of a corner of the MEP appliance of FIG. 1I.

FIG. 1J is a diametric view of an embodiment of plumbing components of an MEP appliance from an indoor side.

FIG. 1K is a front view of an embodiment of the plumbing components of the MEP appliance of FIG. 1J from an indoor access side.

FIG. 1L is a side view of an embodiment of the plumbing components of the MEP appliance of FIG. 1J.

FIG. 1M is an isometric view of an embodiment of indoor electrical and data components of an MEP appliance from an indoor side.

FIG. 1N is a side view of an embodiment of the indoor electrical and data components of the MEP appliance of FIG. 1M.

FIG. 1O is a side view of an embodiment of HVAC components of an MEP appliance.

FIG. 1P is an isometric view of the HVAC components of the MEP appliance of FIG. 15 from an indoor side.

FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communication system for an MEP appliance.

FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communication and control system for an MEP appliance.

FIG. 3A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an air treatment system of an MEP appliance.

FIG. 3B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a water treatment system of an MEP appliance.

FIG. 3C is a schematic block diagram of an electric power system of an MEP appliance

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a method of installing an MEP appliance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices that can supply power, conditioned air, filtered hot and cold water, and/or automation and controls services for a building. In some embodiments, systems and devices (e.g., a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) appliance) according to the present disclosure can supply power, conditioned air, filtered hot and cold water, and/or automation and controls services for a home or other building.

In building construction, total build time and specialized subcontractor visit frequency and time are primary cost drivers. The design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and testing of MEP equipment and peripherals (pipes, wires, ducts, etc.) are major contributors to total build time, and create various inefficiencies in terms of subcontractor scheduling. It is also very time consuming and difficult—if not impossible—to install a centralized building automation and control system that integrates with all of the primary utility appliances that were selected and installed by disparate trade professional. Another cost driver of total construction costs is photovoltaic (PV) installation. Multiple specialty contractors are often needed to complete a solar power system.

Existing systems may integrate utilities into a large “building module,” such as a prefabricated section of a building that includes load-bearing walls and/or interior walls which are common to selected rooms of the building so that selected fixtures or appliances would be directly connected or mounted to said walls. However, most existing prefabricated units that contain utility services are inextricably mated with load-bearing walls or interior walls; these walls are shared with selected rooms and specific fixtures (toilets, sinks, etc.), and appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, etc.) are meant to be connected directly to said walls. Existing prefabricated units can be expensive, inefficient, and difficult to prefabricate, move and install (e.g., the units can only be installed in a manner that is restrictive to the architectural floor plan of the building). These problems of oversized prefabricated units are partially driven by equipment needs. The utility demands of a traditional building, namely the mechanical loads, often require larger utility appliances to service the building's active needs. It makes less sense to integrate these large furnaces, air conditioning units, boilers, etc. into a combined unit, because the unit would need to be the size of a room. Such requirements cause building modules and other existing prefabricated units to lack modularity and ease of installation.

Referring to the Figures generally, in some embodiments, systems and devices (e.g., a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) appliance) according to the present disclosure can supply power, conditioned air, filtered hot and cold water, and/or automation and controls services for a home or other building. Such systems can be designed to be easy to ship and handle on site, to integrate directly into the building envelope, and to make it simple and efficient for general tradespeople to attach plumbing lines, electrical wires, and ducts. As compared to existing systems, an MEP appliance can be situated in any location on a floor plan, including but not limited to locations along the building envelope (e.g., if an outdoor heat pump is mounted to the MEP appliance). By manufacturing the MEP appliance as a full-service appliance, leaving minimal peripheral connections to be made on site that do not require a specialized tradesman, build time and overall project cost can be reduced significantly. Increased coordination and interaction between different MEP components (for example, using the same outdoor heat pump to address hot water and space heating or cooling needs) can help to meet increasingly demanding energy performance standards being added to building codes nationwide.

For example, in some embodiments, an MEP appliance includes mechanical (e.g., HVAC), electrical, and plumbing components and interfaces configured, sized, having an appropriate capacity, and/or shaped to receive services from outside the building. For example, the MEP appliance can include an inverter having a capacity corresponding to a typical rooftop solar photovoltaic array in order to power actions of the MEP appliance and deliver energy to the building; and an energy recovery ventilator, compressor, and heat pump having capacities corresponding to air demand for the building (e.g., capacities sufficient to handle air demand for the building but low enough such that the devices have a relatively small size).

The MEP appliance can reduce overall energy demand with air-tight construction, more significant insulation, higher efficiency appliances, and smart control and automation strategies. For example, the MEP appliance can include insulated wall panels and other insulating materials (e.g., gaskets) such that the MEP appliance can be installed in a manner that does not disrupt the thermal envelope of the building (e.g., meets envelope quality criteria or thresholds). The MEP appliance can allow engineers to design a system that will tie together all of these systems together and provide a unified, simple controls interface and effective automation strategies. For example, the MEP appliance can include components positioned, configured, or arranged to have access interfaces, such as for service or maintenance by an owner or service professional, facing an access-side of the MEP appliance, such that removable access panels can facilitate access to the components. In addition, the MEP appliance can internalize the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components, while providing exterior interfaces on wall panels for connecting to central ventilation, air sources, water lines, and electrical lines, making the MEP appliance modular and capable of being installed anywhere in the building.

The MEP appliance can reduce PV installation costs by connecting and configuring the power inverter to the circuit breaker panel, AC and DC cutoff switches, and batteries during the unit prefabrication process. The MEP appliance can provide all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and automation and controls services of a building. In some embodiments, the total energy required to support the functions of the MEP appliance is less than the energy provided from a PV array (e.g., a rooftop PV array) and a power storage device connected to the MEP appliance (and connected, for example, to the PV array, to store energy generated by the PV array), such that the MEP appliance does not require energy from another energy source, which can enable an off-the-grid configuration.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance includes a freestanding chassis that houses MEP systems needed to operate a building, and the connections or interfaces necessary to connect the MEP systems to remote services or peripheral devices (e.g., wires, ducts, pipes, wireless data, etc.) which will deliver services to the building via the MEP appliance. The MEP appliance can include a base configured to be lifted by a forklift (e.g., the base defines holes sized to receive a forklift), a leveling system, and/or top frame hooks for picking, facilitating site handling.

The MEP appliance can be manufactured in a controlled facility by trained employees, delivered to a build site, and installed when the building envelope is complete. The unit can be a “plug-and-play” integrated appliance, which can allow contractors the ability to finish the installation of active systems in a matter of days, as opposed to having specialized tradesmen complete separate systems over the span of weeks, which is the current industry standard. The MEP appliance can be engineered and designed to service structures meeting size, climate, and envelope criteria, thresholds, or minimum requirements, and can be designed and engineered once, and mass produced for widespread implementation. The MEP appliance can be a freestanding unit, rather than a physical part of a building's structure, and not support structural loads. The installation of the structural system and shell of the building are independent of the MEP unit (e.g., the MEP unit includes wall panels, gaskets, and other components that can interface with the structural system and shell of the building). The MEP appliance can be installed after the envelope (floor, ceiling, exterior walls, windows, and exterior doors) is complete, but before the interior finish stage begins (e.g. laying finish floors, installing cabinets, fixtures, etc.). In some embodiments, a first side of the MEP appliance can be in-line with an opening (e.g., penetration) in the envelope of the house to allow components such as power cutoff switches, a power meter, a heat pump compressor unit, and connection points for utility connections to be outside.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance includes a chassis (e.g., a structural chassis that may be manufactured from steel or aluminum), a base, a plurality of enclosure panels mounted to the chassis (e.g., three enclosure panels for a rectangular chassis), and an insulated wall panel mounted to the chassis (e.g., on the fourth side which is in-line with the envelope of the building). The MEP appliance can include a gasket system around a perimeter of the insulated wall panel, allowing the MEP appliance to be mechanically sealed to the surrounding walls and floor panel in the building envelope. The inward-facing enclosure panel (opposite from the insulated panel wall) can be removable or otherwise operable to allow interior components to be accessed for maintenance, service, or replacement. The MEP appliance can have a size analogous to small closet. Internal components of the MEP appliance can be mounted to the base, chassis, or insulated wall panel. The MEP appliance can include mounting hardware that allows all components to be organized vertically and consolidated more than in typical buildings, eliminating the need for a utility room and leaving more space for livable floor area. For example, all components can be fixed to the base, frame, or an exterior wall panel, providing modularity and ease of transportation as well as a reduced form factor for the MEP appliance. The base and top of the MEP appliance can include mechanical features allowing the MEP appliance to be picked up and moved by standard construction site equipment, including forklift-compatible bracing in the base and hooks in the top of the MEP appliance that allow the MEP appliance to be suspended by a telehandler or crane.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance is all-electric, and does not use natural gas or other primary energy sources. All of the services provided by the MEP appliance can be powered by photovoltaic panels and batteries. The MEP appliance can operate as an “off-the-grid” unit or be connected to a local electricity grid, depending on desired operating parameters (e.g., local laws and utility agreements). When connected to the grid, the MEP appliance can divert and sell excess energy produced, and draw from the grid when the PV array and battery storage cannot supply enough energy to fulfill the instantaneous power demand of the building.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance includes systems configured to provide, control, and monitor electricity usage to the building, including a main circuit breaker, switch control box, and electricity monitoring devices or sensors.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance includes systems configured to invert, monitor, and store energy from a PV array.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance includes systems configured to condition indoor spaces (e.g., air-to-air heat pump or water-to-air heat pump for forced air conditioning; air-to-water or water-to-water heat pump for radiant conditioning). In embodiments where the MEP appliance is configured to operate with an outdoor air-source heat pump, the heat pump can be rigidly secured to the insulated panel wall.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance is configured to mechanically ventilate (e.g., using a heat or energy recovery ventilator). The MEP appliance can thus enable high quality, airtight envelopes that require indoor spaces to be mechanically ventilated to control, mitigate, and/or reduce indoor air quality parameters such as CO₂ and volatile organic compound levels.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance includes a hot water system (e.g., a domestic hot water system including a storage tank and/or a heat source such as an air-to-water heat pump). The storage tank or heat source can include a backup electrical resistance heating element configured to heat the water. The MEP appliance can include a tankless hot water heating unit (e.g., an on-demand water heating device).

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance includes a water distribution system. The water distribution system can include a connection point for a public water line (e.g., including a shutoff valve and pressure regulator), a water filtration unit, and manifolds for routing hot and cold water to separate distribution lines.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance includes building automation and controls system hardware and software. The controls system can be configured (e.g., pre-configured prior to installation) to control operation of each component of the MEP appliance as well as other electronically-controlled components of the building. For example, the MEP appliance can control or monitor lighting, HVAC setpoint temperature, interior air quality, security information, energy consumption data, and photovoltaic power consumption. The controls system can include a wireless software interface configured to communicate with a wireless device (e.g., a personal electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet) of a user.

The MEP appliance and the components or subsystems thereof can be pre-configured, tested, wired for electricity and controls, ducted, and/or plumbed (e.g., prior to installation in the building). Refrigerant lines connecting indoor units to an outdoor compressor unit can be pre-charged. Connection ports for public utility connections can be provided on the outdoor side of the MEP appliance. Quick connect ports on the indoors sides of the MEP appliance can allow ducts, electrical wires, and plumbing lines to be connected without accessing the inside of the MEP appliance. Quick connect ports can thus facilitate installation of indoor utility services. The MEP appliance can include ductwork configured to connect internal mechanical equipment to the quick connect ports, which can minimize pressure loss (e.g., the ductwork can be designed or configured to integrate components of the MEP appliance into a central distribution system while minimizing pressure loss). The MEP appliance can include a central drainage system at the bottom of the MEP appliance configured to drain mechanical systems with condensate drains, plumbing components with overflow drains, or any potential component leakage.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1D, an embodiment of an MEP appliance is shown in a fully-enclosed state and in a complete state (e.g., fully functional, having a minimum or threshold set of components activated and connected to any necessary services for the building). As shown in FIG. 1A, the MEP appliance 100 includes a photovoltaic (PV) inverter 102, a circuit breaker 104 (e.g., a main circuit breaker), and a compressor 106. The MEP appliance 100 also includes a wall panel 108, or may include a wall interface configured to attach or connect to one or more walls of a surrounding structure. The wall panel 108 can be an insulated wall panel (e.g., fiberglass shells with foam insulation), and can form or be a barrier for heat transfer and for movement of air between an outside relative to the MEP appliance 100 (e.g., from an outdoor side of the building) and the MEP appliance 100 or the building. In some embodiments, the wall panel 108 includes openings (e.g., penetrations, receptacles, ports) configured to receive or couple connections for ventilation lines, electrical lines, utility water lines, and/or refrigerant lines. By locating interfaces for connecting the MEP appliance 100 to remote utilities and services on the wall panel 108, adjacent to the wall panel 108, or accessible via openings of the wall panel 108, the MEP appliance 100 can be modular and can be installed in a variety of locations of the building without complex installation procedures for integrating such remote utilities or services.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance 100 includes duct interfaces 110 (e.g., indoor duct connection points) configured to connect the MEP appliance 100 (or mechanical components, HVAC components, or other air handling and transfer components included in the MEP appliance 100) to ventilation ducts of the building (e.g., central ventilation ducts). The duct interfaces 110, as shown, are positioned on an upper side of the MEP appliance 100 (e.g., on an upper exterior surface of the MEP appliance 100 or a chassis thereof; above HVAC or other mechanical or air handling components of the MEP appliance 100). The duct interfaces 110 can be sized to match a size of the central ventilation ducts of the building (e.g., the duct interfaces 110 can terminate in, be coupled to, or include duct fittings shaped and/or sized to connect to the central ventilation ducts of the building).

The PV inverter 102 can be configured to receive an electrical output from a PV solar array (e.g., a direct current output) and convert the electrical output to an AC current that can be used by the MEP appliance 100 to deliver power to devices in the building that require AC power. In some embodiments, the PV inverter has a charge and discharge power of approximately 2.5 kW (e.g., 2.5 kW; greater than or equal to 1 kW and less than or equal to 5 kW; greater than or equal to 2 kW and less than or equal to 3 kW). The PV inverter 102 can connect a lithium ion battery to the electrical system of the building, and manage the charging/discharging of the battery. The PV inverter 102 can be configured to receive a maximum electrical input from a PV solar panel having a capacity of approximately 4 to 6 kW, and/or up to 7.8 kW (e.g., greater than or equal to 2 kW and less than or equal to 10 kW; greater than or equal to 3 kW and less than or equal to 9 kW; greater than or equal to 4 kW and less than or equal to 6 kW; less than or equal to 7.8 kW).

The compressor 106 can be an outdoor heat pump compressor or a compressor unit of a mini split heat pump unit. The air handler of the heat pump unit can have a capacity of approximately 12000 BTU (e.g., 12000 BTU; greater than or equal to 5000 BTU and less than or equal to 24000 BTU; greater than or equal to 10000 BTU and less than or equal to 15000 BTU). The compressor 106 can be mounted to an outdoor side of the wall panel 108 (e.g., rigidly mounted or secured to wall panel 108 or a platform on the outside wall). The compressor 106 can be configured to receive a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant), compress the working fluid, and output the compressed working fluid to a condenser (e.g., receive and output refrigerant via refrigerant lines 112, 113 described with reference to FIGS. 1O-1P). In such embodiments, the MEP appliance 100 can use the refrigerant lines 112, 113 as an interface to receive compressed working fluid from the compressor 106 and outputting uncompressed working fluid (e.g., exhausted working fluid, working fluid that is in a relatively low-pressure and/or low-temperature state) to the compressor 106.

Referring further to FIGS. 1B-1D, the MEP appliance 100 includes enclosure panels 114 (e.g., on left and right sides of the MEP appliance 100 relative to the wall panel 108) and a top panel 116. The panels 114, 116 can be attached to a frame of the MEP appliance 100. The MEP appliance 100 also includes removable access panels 117, 118, 119. The access panels 117, 118, 119 are configured to be removed, allowing access to components of the MEP appliance 100 for service, upgrades, or changing filters. The lower access panel 119 can be set back (e.g., spaced away from) the frame of the MEP appliance 100, which can provide space for plumbing connections 120 and electrical connections 122 to be made via a floor (e.g., to or via an underfloor plenum) underneath the MEP appliance 100 (e.g., as described further with reference to FIG. 1F). The lower access panel 119 can thus define a connection space sized to receive the plumbing connections 120 and electrical connections 122. In some embodiments, the MEP appliance 100 can include an operable door for system access and maintenance.

Referring now to FIGS. 1E-1F, an embodiment of the MEP appliance 100 is shown in the context of surrounding wall panel 126 and floor panel 128 (e.g., SIP panels), such as when the MEP appliance 100 is installed in the building. As shown in FIG. 5, the outdoor side of the MEP appliance 100 includes interfaces configured to receive utility service lines or connections. For example, the MEP appliance 100 includes a water interface configured to receive a water supply line 130 (e.g., a utility water supply line). The water supply line 130 can enter the building and pass through the floor panel 128 to be coupled to the MEP appliance 100 (e.g., can be pulled from the ground through an opening or penetration in the floor panel 128). The water interface can include a water shutoff valve 132 and a pressure regulator 134 that are fluidly coupled to the water supply line 130. The water interface can include an opening or penetration in the wall panel 108 through which the water supply line 130 is received.

The MEP appliance 100 includes an electrical interface configured to receive an electrical line 136 (e.g., utility electrical wires). The electrical line 136 can enter the building and pass through the floor panel 128 to be connected to the circuit breaker 104 (see FIGS. 1A and 1C for outdoor electrical components).

Referring further to FIG. 1F, access panels 117, 118, 119 have been removed, illustrating the MEP appliance 100 as it is being installed. As shown in FIG. 1F, the MEP appliance 100 includes an electrical interface (e.g., an access-side or indoor side electrical interface) configured to receive and/or be coupled to electrical lines 122. The electrical interface can be an electrical panel. The electrical lines 122 can run under the finished floor between furring strips 138. The MEP appliance 100 can output electrical energy to the building via the electrical lines 122 (e.g., electrical energy received from the inverter 102 or the electrical line 136), as well as other electrical components described with reference to FIGS. 1M-1N. Similarly, the MEP appliance 100 includes a plumbing interface (e.g., an access-side or indoor side plumbing interface) configured to receive and/or be coupled to plumbing lines 120 (e.g., plumbing runs). The plumbing interface can be a plumbing panel. The plumbing lines 120 can run under the finished floor between furring strips 138. The MEP appliance 100 can output water to the building via the plumbing lines 120 (e.g., water received from the water supply line 130). In some embodiments, the electrical interface and/or water interface can be configured or positioned to connect to electrical or water lines via surrounding walls or ceiling plenums of the building.

Referring now to FIG. 1G, an embodiment of the MEP appliance 100 is shown from an outdoor side view, illustrating the wall panel 108. The wall panel 108 is configured to separate or isolate the MEP appliance 100 (or the chassis or frame thereof) from the outdoors. The wall panel 108 is configured to integrate the MEP appliance 100 into a thermal envelope of the building. In some embodiments, the MEP appliance 100 includes a gasket 124 (e.g., a continuous gasket, such as a rubber or other insulating material). The gasket 124 is configured to seal (e.g., air seal) the wall panel 108 to the surrounding wall and floor panels of the building. For example, the gasket 124 can be sized and positioned to fill a space between the wall panel 108 and surrounding panels when the MEP appliance 100 is installed. The gasket 124 can surround an exterior rim or surface of the wall panel 108, and can be positioned inwards (e.g., away from a face of the wall panel 108). The gasket 124 can seal the wall panel 108 such that air does not flow (or flows at a negligibly low rate) across a boundary defined by the gasket 124. In some embodiments, all openings or penetrations providing interfaces for components of the MEP appliance 100 (e.g., ventilation in/out, compressor refrigerant in/out, electrical, data, water in, grey/black water out) are sealed (e.g., using a gasket) in or by the wall panel 108, facilitating integrating the MEP appliance 100 into the envelope of the building.

Referring now to FIGS. 1H and 1II, an embodiment of structural members of the MEP appliance 100 is shown. The MEP appliance 100 includes a chassis 140 (e.g., a frame). The chassis 140 can include a first set of structural members (e.g., bars, rails) that may be fixed, and a second set of structural members (e.g., bars, rails) that may be adjustable support members to which interior components can be mounted. In some embodiments, the wall panel 108 includes a bottom section that indents (e.g., is angled or spaced inwards, away from the outdoors, away from the remainder of the wall panel 108, and/or away from a portion of the chassis 140 surrounding the wall panel 108 and towards an opposite portion of the chassis 140) to accommodate connections to outdoor electrical equipment and utilities. In some embodiments, a top section of the wall panel 108 also indents (e.g., indents further than the bottom section). The top section of the wall panel 108 can thus define a space configured to enable air circulation around the compressor 106 (e.g., the wall panel 108 can define a space between the wall panel 108 and the compressor 106).

Referring now to FIG. 1I, the MEP appliance 100 includes a base 142 (e.g., a bottom panel). The base 142 can be solid (e.g., includes a continuous surface, has sufficient structural integrity to support the weight of the MEP appliance 100).

Referring now to FIGS. 1J-1L, an embodiment of plumbing systems of the MEP appliance 100 is shown. The MEP appliance 100 includes an access panel 144 (e.g., a custom manifold panel). The access panel 144 can include or contain (e.g., house) water distribution manifolds 146 (e.g., for receiving, routing, and/or distributing hot water and cold water) and an unfiltered water manifold 148, on the access side of the MEP appliance 100 (e.g., the side of the MEP appliance 100 facing into the building and opposite from the outdoors when the MEP appliance 100 is installed; the side of the MEP appliance 100 accessible when access panels 117, 118, 119 are removed).

The MEP appliance 100 includes a tube 150 and a water filter 152. The tube 150 fluidly couples the water supply line 130 to the water filter 152. In some embodiments, the MEP appliance 100 includes a T junction or branch configured to divert a portion of water flow to the unfiltered water manifold 148 rather than the water filter 152. The MEP appliance 100 includes a tube 154 (e.g., a conduit, channel, pipe, or other structure by which water can flow) that is fluidly coupled to the filter 152 such that cold water from the filter 152 flows through the tube 154 to the cold water distribution manifold 146. The MEP appliance 100 includes a tube 156 and a hot water tank 158. The tube 156 is fluidly coupled to the cold water distribution manifold 146 and an inlet side of a hot water tank 158. The MEP appliance 100 includes a tube 160 that is fluidly coupled to the hot water tank 158 such that hot water from the hot water tank 158 flows through the tube 160 to the hot water distribution manifold 146. The MEP appliance 100 includes a tube 162, a tube 164, and a heat pump 166 (e.g., a hot water heat pump). The tube 162 is fluidly coupled to the hot water tank 158 and the heat pump 166 such that water can flow from the hot water tank 158 to the heat pump 166. The tube 164 is fluidly coupled to the heat pump 166 and the hot water tank 158 such that water can flow from the heat pump 166 to the hot water tank 158.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance 100 is configured to heat water in the hot water tank 158 based on a temperature threshold (e.g., a hot water setpoint temperature). For example, in response to determining that a temperature of water in the hot water tank 158 (e.g., an internal temperature of the hot water tank 158) is less than or falls below the hot water setpoint temperature, the MEP appliance 100 causes (e.g., pumps, opens appropriate valves, or otherwise allows to flow) water from the hot water tank 158 to flow or circulate through the tube 162 to heat pump 166. Water heated by the heat pump 166 can then flow or circulate through tube 164 to the hot water tank 158. The hot water tank 158 can have a capacity of approximately 30 gallons (e.g., greater or equal to than 10 gallons and less than or equal to 200 gallons; greater than or equal to 15 gallons and less than or equal to 100 gallons; greater than or equal to 20 gallons and less than or equal to 50 gallons). The size of the water tank 158 can be based on the type of structure the MEP appliance 100 is designed to service.

In some embodiments, the heat pump 166 includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The MEP appliance can include a duct system 168 that fluidly couples the air inlet and air outlet to the central ventilation system of the building by duct system 168. In other words, the MEP appliance 100 can include an air interface (e.g., duct system 168) configured to fluidly couple the heat pump 166 to the central ventilation system of the building. In such embodiments, the heat pump 166 is configured to heat water using heat from the building, and exhaust cooled, dehumidified air.

In some embodiments, the MEP appliance 100 includes a drain pan 170. The drain pan 170 is positioned above the base 142 (e.g., the drain pan 170 sits elevated above the base 142). All plumbing components of the MEP appliance 100 (e.g., the tubes, water manifolds, filters, tank, and pump described with reference to FIGS. 1J-1K) can be positioned above the drain pan 170. The MEP appliance 100 can include or be fluidly coupled to a drain line along with the plumbing connections 120 shown in FIG. 1F. The drain pan 170 can be positioned in such a way so as to collect any liquid that is formed through condensation. The drain pan 170 can include a sensor configured to detect an amount of liquid collected in the drain pan. In some implementations, the sensor can be configured to trigger an alert indicating that the drain pan has collected more than a predetermined amount of liquid. The alert can be transmitted by the MEP appliance 100 to a registered user to inform the user to empty the drain pan. In some implementations, the drain pan can be configured to drain any liquid that enters the drain pan. In some embodiments, the MEP appliance 100 can use the drain pan 170 or other drainage components (e.g., trays, pipes) to receive condensate or leak from components such as a heat pump evaporator coil, plumbing lines, ducts, water tanks, or a hot water heat pump condenser.

Referring now to FIGS. 1M-1N, electrical and data components of the MEP appliance 100 are shown. The MEP appliance 100 includes conduit tubes 172, a switch control box 174, and a junction box 176 (e.g., an “access side” junction box positioned adjacent to the access panel 119 and/or accessible when the access panels 117, 118, 119 are removed). Electrical wires can be electrically coupled to the circuit breaker 104 and run through the conduit tubes 172 to the junction box 176 and to the switch control box 174. Controller circuits can be run through the switch control box 174 and then to the junction box 176. Constant source circuits can be run directly to the junction box 176.

The MEP appliance 100 can include a control systems hub 178, an internet router 180, and an internet modem 181 mounted directly above the switch control box 174. Additional details relating to the control systems hub 178 and the internet router and modem are described below with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B.

Referring now to FIGS. 1O-1P, an embodiment of mechanical components of the MEP appliance 100 (e.g., heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components) is shown. The MEP appliance 100 includes an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) 182. The ERV 182 is fluidly coupled to the duct interfaces 110 (and thus the central ventilation system of the building) by house-side air supply and return ducts, and to the outdoors (e.g., an environment surrounding the building) via ducts 184. For example, the wall panel 108 can define an opening coupled to ducts 184 through which air from outside the building can be received. The ERV 182 can have a variable speed flow range of approximately 30-200 cubic feet per minute (CFM) (e.g., greater than or equal to 30 and less than or equal to 200 CFM; greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 500 CFM; greater than or equal to 10 and less than or equal to 300 CFM). The ERV 182 can have power demands of approximately 0.5-2 Watt/CFM.

The ERV 182 can be configured to receive first air flow (e.g., exhausted air, relatively humid air) from the building via duct interfaces 110 (e.g., via a duct interface 110 connected to the air return duct), receive second air flow from the outdoors via ducts 184 that are fluidly coupled to air outside the building, and transfer latent energy and/or sensible energy to or from the second air flow to the first air flow, depending on relative differences in air humidity and temperature between the first air flow and the second air flow.

The MEP appliance 100 can include an indoor heat pump 186 (e.g., a condenser unit). The indoor heat pump 186 can be fluidly coupled to the duct interfaces 110. The indoor heat pump 186 can be fluidly coupled to the compressor 106 by refrigerant lines 187, 188 that circulate liquid and gaseous refrigerant. The refrigerant lines 187, 188 can be positioned through openings defined in the wall panel 108. The indoor heat pump 186 can have a recovery rate of approximately 12.75 gallons per hour (e.g., 12.75 gallons per hour; greater than or equal to 10 gallons per hour and less than or equal to 20 gallons per hour; greater than or equal to 12 gallons per hour and less than or equal to 15 gallons per hour).

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a schematic block diagram of a communication system 200 is shown illustrating various subsystems of the MEP appliance 100 each connected to the control systems hub 178. The subsystems can be connected by wired or wireless connections. The communication system 200 is shown to include the inverter 102, plumbing systems 202, duct systems 204, the heat pump 166, the heat pump 166, the control systems hub 178, the ERV 182, the compressor 106, communication electronics 206, the switch control box 174, a water supply interface 208, the drain pan 170, and an electrical supply interface 210. Other components and subsystems of the MEP appliance 100 as described herein may also be communicably connected to the control systems hub 178 in a similar manner. The plumbing systems 202 can include various plumbing components described herein (e.g., valves, tubes, plumbing lines 120). The water supply interface 222 can include the utility water supply line 130, pressure regulator 134, and/or shutoff valve 132. The electrical supply interface can include the electrical wires 136.

The various subsystems of the communication system 200 can be communicably connected to the control systems hub 178, such as for transmitting data to the control systems hub 178 and receiving data from the control systems hub 178 (including receiving commands or other instructions configured to control operation of the subsystems). The control systems hub 178 can include a processor 212 and a memory 214. The processor 212 may be, or include, one or more microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), circuits containing one or more processing components, a group of distributed processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, or other hardware configured for processing. The memory 214 is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and computer code for completing and facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. The memory 214 may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures of the concepts disclosed herein. The memory 214 is communicably connected to the processor 212 and includes computer code or instruction modules for executing one or more processes described herein. The memory 214 can include various circuits, software engines, and/or modules that cause the processor 212 to execute the systems and methods described herein.

The communication electronics 206 can be configured to facilitate electronic communication between the communication system 200 (and any of the components therein) and remote devices or data sources. The communication electronics 206 can include wired or wireless interfaces and hardware as appropriate for facilitating electronic communication, including transmission and reception of electronic signals amongst the components of the communication system 200. The communication electronics 206 can include or be communicably coupled to the internet router 180 and the internet modem 181. The communication electronics 218 can include one or more transceiver hardware devices configured to transmit and/or receive electronic information.

The communication electronics 218 can establish a connection to and/or otherwise communicate with a network 225 (e.g., an internet-based network service; a cloud-based network service). Via the connection to the network 225, the communication system 200 can transmit and receive information from a variety of remote servers 230. The remote servers 230 can include information sources relating to control of the MEP appliance 100, as well as information that can be used by the control systems hub 178 to control the MEP appliance 100.

For example, the remote server 230 can provide weather information that the control systems hub 178 can use to determine scheduling of operation of the MEP appliance 100. If the control systems hub 178 determines based on the information received from the remote server 230 that an amount of sunlight to be received by the solar PV array connected to the PV inverter 102 is predicted to be less than a threshold amount of sunlight, the control systems hub 178 can cause a power-saving mode to be activated in which various components are driven below a maximum capacity or below a nominal capacity. For example, during a time of year when the MEP appliance 100 is generally in a cooling mode (e.g., summer mode), the control systems hub 178 may change a temperature setpoint for the building from a “comfortable” setting (e.g., approximately 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit) to a “power-saving” (e.g., approximately 73-77 degrees Fahrenheit) and reduce output of HVAC components (e.g., heat pump 166, heat pump 186, ERV 182, compressor 106), and thus the power demanded by the HVAC components.

The remote server 230 can be a control server that receives information regarding operation of the MEP appliance 100 from the communication system 200 via the communication electronics 206, and generates and transmits control instructions to the control systems hub 178 via the communication electronics 206 that the control systems hub 178 executes to control operation of the MEP appliance 100. The remote server 230 can aggregate information received from a plurality of buildings, identify trends or otherwise process the aggregated information, and improve efficiency of the operation of the MEP appliance 100 based on the aggregated information. For example, the remote server 230 can use empirical data from a variety of buildings and appliances to identify efficiency information that can be used to generate control information, and transmit the control information in the form of real-time or scheduled commands to the MEP appliance; the remote server 230 can also cause, upload, and/or perform firmware upgrades of the control systems hub 178 automatically or upon a user request. The control systems hub 178 can also aggregate information (or receive aggregated information) from a plurality of buildings via the remote server 230, and process the aggregated information in order to update control schemes for controlling the MEP appliance 100.

The communication electronics 206 can communicate with a personal electronic device 220 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or other electronic device). For example, the communication electronics 206 can include an appropriate transceiver configured to communicate with the personal electronic device 220 via a WiFi connection or a Bluetooth connection.

The personal electronic device 220 can receive status information from the control systems hub 178 regarding the MEP appliance 100. For example, the MEP appliance 100 can include various sensors configured to track parameters of the MEP appliance 100, the building, and/or the outdoors (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, sensors that track energy received from the PV solar array or charge/discharge behavior of the PV inverter 102) and transmit status alerts to the personal electronic device 220 based on the tracked parameters.

The personal electronic 220 can be configured to generate commands for controlling operation of the MEP appliance 100 that can be received and executed by the control systems hub 178. For example, the personal electronic device 220 can be configured to generate commands to activate or deactivate components of the MEP appliance 100, to set or modify setpoints (e.g., setpoint temperatures for air in the building or water in the water tank 158). The control systems hub 178 can be configured to provide different interfaces to the personal electronic device 220 based on a user profile of the personal electronic device 220, allowing for heterogeneous modes of operation (e.g., a buildingowner mode that may have less access to controlling certain systems than a service mode or maintenance mode).

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a communication and control system 250 for the MEP appliance 100 is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication and control system 250 includes components of the communication system 200, and can communicate with and control various components which will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the communication and control system 250 includes the control systems hub 178 and communication electronics 206 of FIG. 2A. The communication electronics 206 can be configured to communicate according to various protocols, including Bluetooth and WiFi. The communication electronics 206 may include a network switch configured to receive an Internet or other data connection (e.g., from network 225), and a WiFi router. The communication electronics 206 may include additional wireless data communication electronics, such as cellular (e.g., LTE, 3G, 4G) communication electronics, which may function as a wireless Internet fallback in case of malfunction of the network switch. The communications electronics 206 may include wired communication electronics (e.g., Ethernet), such as for communication with components in the housing 305 or in the building. The control systems hub 178 can monitor power usage by the MEP appliance 100 and the building (e.g., using energy monitor 432), water consumption (e.g., using water monitor 356), control air flow and/or air temperature (e.g., by controlling operation of air treatment system 310 of FIG. 3A), and selectively control electrical outputs (e.g., using lighting controller 434 or other components of electrical power system 410 of FIG. 3C).

The control systems hub 178 can receive user input and transmit information for display to a user by communicating with the personal electronic device 220 or a user interface 254. For example, the control systems hub 178 can receive user input indicating commands for controlling operation of various components of the MEP appliance 100 from the personal electronic device 220 and/or user interface 254. The control systems hub 178 can receive information, such as status information, from various components of the MEP appliance 100, and transmit the information to the personal electronic device 220 and/or user interface 254 for display. The control systems hub 178 can be communicatively coupled to a security system 252, such as to receive control signals for activating or deactivating lights or other components in the building. The control systems hub 178 can receive energy use information from energy monitor 432 and water characteristics from water monitor 356, such as for outputting to personal electronic device 220 and/or user interface 254.

The control systems hub 178 can store a lighting control schedule or receive lighting control instructions from personal electronic device 220 and/or user interface 254. The control systems hub 178 can use the light control schedule and/or lighting control instructions to control operation of lighting controller 434, such as to provide commands which cause lighting controller 434 to activate or deactivate electrical power to various lights or lighting circuits in the building.

The control systems hub 178 can control operation of flow control system 354, such as to actuate an electronically controlled shutoff valve of the flow control system 354. The control systems hub 178 can receive water leak information from a leak detector 256, which may be attached to water pipes in the building. In response to receiving an indication of a leak in the building from the leak detector 256, the control systems hub 178 can control operation of the shutoff valve of the flow control system 354 to discontinue water flow to the location of the leak, and similar control operation of the shutoff valve to restore water flow through the location of the leak in response to receiving an instruction to restore water flow (or an indication that the leak has been fixed).

The control systems hub 178 can receive an indication of air quality in the building from an air quality sensor 258. Based on the indication of air quality, the control systems hub 178 can control operation of the air treatment system 310 (e.g., increasing or decreasing flow rates of air through RV 312 and air conditioning device 330, such as to flow more outdoor air into the building if the air quality is less than an air quality threshold). Controlling operation of the air treatment system 310 may include increasing or decreasing fan speeds of fans of the RV 312 and/or air conditioning device 330. In some embodiments, the air treatment system 310 is configured to provide a minimum fresh air filtration rating of MERV 8 (e.g., at least MERV 8; in a range of MERV 9-12), which can be detected by the air quality sensor 258.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, an MEP system 300 is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The MEP system 300 can incorporate features of the MEP appliance 100 and the communication systems 200, 250. The MEP system 300 includes a housing 305 (e.g., a housing 305 including physical boundary components of MEP appliance 100 such as chassis 140). The housing 305 defines a space, portions of which are occupied by an air treatment system 310, a water treatment system 350, and an electric power system 410. As such, the air treatment system 310, water treatment system 350, and electric power system 410 may be disposed entirely within the housing 305 and, as will be described below, coupled to various input and output ports formed on or adjacent to surfaces of the housing 305, such as for transferring water, air, or electricity through the housing 305 to/from the air treatment system 310, water treatment system 350, and electric power system 410. In some embodiments, the space defined by the housing 305 is also occupied by a water drain system 390. As will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, the housing 305 includes various ports for coupling components outside of the housing 305 to components inside the housing 305. The ports may include apertures defined in the surfaces of the housing 305. The ports may include fittings or other coupling devices which connect remote components (e.g., water supply lines, electrical lines) to interior components, and which may be mounted to the housing 305. With respect to the air treatment system 310 in particular, the corresponding ports may include ducts, vents, or other openings to allow air flow into and out of the housing 305. It will be appreciated that the MEP system 300, when manufactured in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure to be contained within the housing 305 (e.g., with components occupying the space defined in the housing 305 and ports defined in or mounted to surfaces of the housing 305), can have the structure and function of an integrated, easily transported and installed device providing many of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing functions required for a building.

Referring further to FIG. 3A, the housing 305 includes at least one outdoor air input port 314 and at least one exhaust output port 316. The ports 314, 316 can include features of ducts 184. The housing 305 includes at least one exhaust input port 318, which can be coupled to indoor building exhaust ducts 343 (e.g., kitchen exhaust, bathroom exhaust, laundry exhaust). The housing 305 includes at least one air output port 320, which can receive air for delivery to the building from the air treatment system 310, and which can transfer the air into the building via air supply ducts 336. The housing 305 includes at least one return air input port 322, which can receive return air from the building (e.g., via one or more air return ducts 338). The at least one exhaust input port 318, at least one air output port 320, and at least one return air input port 322 can include features of ducts 110. In some embodiments, the housing 305 includes at least one refrigerant input port 324 and at least one refrigerant output port 326; the ports 324, 326 can include features of or be configured to receive refrigerant lines 112, 113. The air treatment system 310 includes various flow paths (e.g., pipes, tubing, ducts) for transferring air and/or refrigerant between various components. In some embodiments, the ports of the housing 305 which flow air into/out of the housing 305 (e.g., ports 314, 316, 318, 320, 322) include or are configured to couple to removable duct connectors, facilitating installation of the MEP system 300 in the building. Removable gasket duct connectors may be coupled to the MEP system 300 to connect the air treatment system 310 to air ducts in the building. In some embodiments, the air treatment system 310 provides a minimum outside air ventilation volumetric flow rate to the building (or is rated to provide a minimum flow rate) of approximately 90 cubic feet per meter (CFM) (e.g., 90 CFM; greater than 45 CFM and less than 180 CFM; greater than 60 CFM and less than 120 CFM; greater than 75 CFM and less than 105 CFM). In some embodiments, the air treatment system 310 has a minimum heat pump heating or cooling capacity of approximately 0.5 ton (6000 Btu/h) (e.g., 6000 Btu/h; greater than 3000 Btu/h and less than 12000 Btu/h; greater than 4000 Btu/h and less than 8000 Btu/h; greater than 5000 Btu/h and less than 7000 Btu/h).

In some embodiments, the air treatment system 310 includes a recovery ventilator (RV) 312. The RV 312 can be or include features of the ERV 182 described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1P and 2A-2B. The RV 312 is configured to receive exhaust air from the building via the at least one exhaust input port 318, receive outdoor air from the at least one outdoor air input port 314, and use the exhaust air to precondition the outdoor air. For example, the RV 312 can transfer at least one of latent heat energy or sensible heat energy between the outdoor air and the exhaust air. The RV 312 may be a heat recovery ventilator (to transfer heat between the exhaust air and outdoor air) or an energy recovery ventilator (to transfer heat and humidity between the exhaust air and outdoor air).

In some embodiments, the air treatment system 310 includes an air conditioning device 330 (e.g., an indoor head unit of a minisplit system), which may include features of the indoor heat pump 186. The air conditioning device 330 is configured to receive return air from the at least one return air input port 322 (e.g., via a return manifold 334) and condition the return air for delivery to the building via the at least one air output port 320 (e.g., via a supply manifold 332). For example, the air conditioning device 330 can increase/decrease a temperature of the return air and/or dehumidify the return air. The air conditioning device 330 can be coupled to drain system 390 of FIG. 3B to output water (e.g., condensation, waste water) from the air treatment system 310. In some embodiments, the air treatment system 310 has a minimum outside air heat recovery efficiency of approximately 90 percent (e.g., greater than 60 percent and less than 100 percent; greater than 80 percent and less than 95 percent; greater than 88 percent and less than 92 percent).

In some embodiments, the supply manifold 332 is also coupled to the RV 312, so that preconditioned outdoor air from the RV 312 can be transferred to the building via the supply manifold 332. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the air treatment system 310 may not include the RV 312; instead, the air conditioning device 330 may be coupled to the at least one outdoor air input port 314 to receive the outdoor air.

In some embodiments, the air treatment system 310 includes a heat pump 342 located outside the housing 305 (e.g., a heat pump head unit of a minisplit system, located outside the building). The heat pump 342 can include features of the heat pump 166. The heat pump 342 is coupled to the refrigerant input port 324 and refrigerant output port 326 to flow refrigerant through the heat pump 342 (e.g., to transfer heat from outdoor air to the refrigerant or vice versa depending on whether the air treatment system 310 is being operated in a heating mode or cooling mode).

The air treatment system 310 can include a waste heat recovery device 340. As shown in FIG. 3A, the waste heat recovery device 340 is coupled on a flow path for refrigerant between the heat pump 342 and the air conditioning device 330. The waste heat recovery device 340 can be fluidly coupled to water heater 372 of FIG. 3B (e.g., a water tank thereof), to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the water stored in and/or flowing through water heater 372.

Additionally or alternatively to the air conditioning device 330, in some embodiments, such as where one or more air conditioning devices (e.g., head units) are disposed within the building which can condition air in the building, the air treatment system includes a refrigerant manifold (not shown). The refrigerant manifold can be coupled to the heat pump 342 (e.g., via waste heat recovery device 340) and to the one or more air conditioning devices disposed within the building. The refrigerant manifold can transport refrigerant between the heat pump 342 and the one or more air conditioning devices disposed within the building via at least one refrigerant output port (not shown).

Referring further to FIG. 3B, the housing 305 includes at least one water input port 352, which can include features of and/or be coupled to water supply line 130. The at least one water input port 352 can be coupled to a water source, such as a municipal water source, a water tank, or a water well. The housing 305 also includes a plurality of output ports for outputting water from the water treatment system 350 into the building. For example, the housing 305 can include an unheated unfiltered water output port 359, an unheated filtered water output port 370, and a heated filtered water output port 376, which can include features of and/or be coupled to plumbing lines 120. The water treatment system 350 includes various flow paths (e.g., pipes, tubing) for transferring water between various components. In some embodiments, the ports of the housing 305 which flow water into/out of the housing 305 (e.g., ports 352, 359, 370, 376, 382) include or are configured to couple to removable plumbing connectors, facilitating installation of the MEP system 300 in the building. Removable push-together connectors may be coupled to the MEP system 300 to connect the water treatment system 350 to air ducts in the building. The water treatment system 30 can have a domestic water supply output pressure of approximately 20 psi to 80 psi, and a minimum domestic hot water output temperature of approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., 100 degrees Fahrenheit; greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit and less than 110 degrees Fahrenheit; greater than 95 degrees Fahrenheit and less than 105 degrees Fahrenheit).

In some embodiments, the water treatment system 350 includes a flow control system 354. The flow control system 354 can include a manual shutoff (e.g., shutoff valve), which may include features of water shutoff valve 132. The flow control system 354 can include a pressure regulator, which may include features of pressure regulator 134, and may be downstream of the manual shutoff. The flow control system can include an automatic shutoff device (e.g., an electronically controlled valve), which may be actuated in response to receiving a control signal from control systems hub 178.

The water treatment system 350 can include a water monitor 356. The water monitor 356 can include one or more sensors to detect characteristics of the water flowing through the water treatment system 350, such as flow rate, temperature, total dissolved solids, acidity, salinity, or other water characteristics. The water monitor 356 can generate and output an electronic sensor signal indicating the characteristics of the water flowing through the water treatment system 350. The water monitor 356 can include receiver electronics for receiving data from a remote source (e.g., control systems hub 178) and transmitter electronics for transmitting the electronic sensor signal (e.g., to control systems hub 178, to personal electronic device 220).

The water treatment system 350 includes at least one water divider 361 which controls the amount of water from the at least one water input port 352 (e.g., after having passed through flow control system 354) for filtration and/or heating. As shown in FIG. 3B, the at least one water divider 361 includes valves 362, 364, and 366 (e.g., bypass valves), as well as one or more junctions between flow paths. The water divider 361 receives water from outside the building via the at least one water input port 352. The water divider 361 divides the water into an unfiltered flow 363 for output to the building via the at least one unfiltered water output port 359 (e.g., through unfiltered manifold 358), and a water flow 365 to be filtered. The water filter 360 receives the water flow 365 to be filtered from the at least one water divider 361 (e.g., via bypass valve 362), and filters the water flow 365. The at least one water divider 361 divides the filtered water into an unheated filtered water flow 367 for output to the building via the at least one unheated filtered water output port 370 (e.g., via cold manifold 368) and a water flow 369 to be heated. The valves 362, 364, 366 can be manually or electronically controlled to open or close to selectively route water flow to the water filter 360 and/or directly to output ports 359, 370, 376.

The water heater 372 receives the water flow 369 from the water filter 360 and heats the water flow 369 into heated filtered water 371 for output to the building via the at least one heated filtered water output port 376 (e.g., via hot manifold 374). The water heater 372 can include features of hot water tank 158. The water heater 372 may also be a tankless water heating system. Regardless of whether the water heater 372 is a tank-based device, the water heater 372 can operate in a manner as described with reference to the hot water tank 158, such as by heating water based on a temperature threshold.

In some embodiments, the water treatment system 350 includes a fire suppression system 380 occupying a portion of the space defined by the housing 305. The fire suppression system 380 receives water from the at least one water input port 352 upstream of the flow control system 354 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B, is tapped off before the flow control system 354). The fire suppression system 380 can deliver water to the building (e.g., to a sprinkler system in the building) via at least one fire suppression output port 382. In some embodiments, the fire suppression system 380 includes a stack regulator for regulating pressure and/or flow rate of water to be delivered to the building. The fire suppression system 380 can output water at least one of a minimum flow rate or a minimum pressure. The minimum flow rate may be approximately 20 gallons per minute (gpm) (e.g., 20 gpm; greater than or equal to 10 gpm and less than or equal to 40 gpm; greater than or equal to 15 gpm and less than or equal to 30 gpm; greater than or equal to 18 gpm and less than or equal to 25 gpm). The minimum pressure may be approximately 40 psi (e.g., 40 psi; greater than or equal to 20 psi and less than or equal to 80 psi; greater than or equal to 30 psi and less than or equal to 60 psi; greater than or equal to 35 psi and less than or equal to 50 psi).

The drain system 390 can receive a water flow (e.g., waste water, unneeded water, unfiltered water) from the water filter 360 for output from the housing 305 via drain port 392. The drain system 390 may occupy a space adjacent to a bottom of the housing 305 and/or below the air treatment system 310, water treatment system 350, and/or electrical power system 410.

Referring further to FIG. 3C, the housing 305 includes at least one solar power port 416, at least one electrical input port 426, and at least one battery power input port 430. The housing 305 also includes at least one electrical output port for outputting electrical power from the housing 305 to the building; for example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the housing 305 includes electrical output ports 438, 442, and 444.

The electric power system 410 receives electrical power from one or more electrical power sources. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the electric power system 410 can receive electric power from an electricity source 422 (e.g., electrical grid connection, electrical generator), which may be coupled to a meter 424 for metering the electrical power received from the electricity source 422. The electric power system 410 can receive electrical power from a solar array 414 (e.g., solar PV array). The electric power system 410 can receive power from a battery 428 (e.g., lithium ion battery). The electric power system can have a minimum electrical service capacity of approximately 100 amps (e.g., 100 amps; greater than 50 amps and less than 200 amps; greater than 80 amps and less than 120 amps; greater than 95 amps and less than 105 amps).

The electric power system 410 includes a breaker panel 412 (e.g., electrical breaker circuit). The breaker panel 412 divides electrical power received from the electrical power sources (e.g., from the electricity source 422) into a plurality of electrical circuit feeds for output to various systems within the MEP system 300 and to the building. The breaker panel 412 can deliver electrical power to the air treatment system 310, water treatment system 350, fire suppression system 380, and other components of the MEP system 300, via one or more electrical circuit feeds via the internal connections 443 extending within the space defined by the housing 305. The internal connections 443 can be rated for the specific load requirements of the air treatment system 310, fire suppression system 380, The breaker panel 412 can deliver electrical power to the building via one or more electrical circuit feeds via the electrical output ports 438, 442, 444. The electrical circuit feeds each may provide at least one of overcurrent protection, arc-fault protection, or ground-fault protection.

In some embodiments, the electric power system 410 includes an inverter 418, which can include features of the inverter 102. The inverter 418 can receive DC electrical current from the solar array 414 and convert the DC electrical current into AC electrical current for the breaker panel 412. In some embodiments, the electric power system 410 includes a switch 420 (e.g., AC shutoff switch), which can selectively activate or deactivate the flow of electrical current to the breaker panel 412 from the inverter 418.

The electric power system 410 can include an energy monitor 432. The energy monitor 432 can monitor electrical flow in the breaker panel 412 (e.g., current, voltage) and/or electrical flow to/from specific components coupled to the breaker panel 412. The energy monitor 432 can include transmitter/receiver electronics and can output a monitor signal indicating characteristics of the electrical flow, such as current or voltage.

In some embodiments, the electric power system 410 includes a lighting controller 434. The lighting controller 434 can control electrical flow to electrical output port 442 (which may provide a connection to lighting devices in the building). The lighting controller 434 can selectively activate or deactivate electrical flow to specific electrical output ports 442 based on a received control signal and/or a predetermined lighting schedule, such as to selectively light various groups of lights in the building.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the electric power system 410 can include removable electrical couplers 436, 440. The removable electrical couplers 436, 440 can be configured to be removably coupled to electrical couplers connected through the electrical output ports 438, 442, 444, and may be rated for specific electrical loads. For example, the removable electrical couplers 436, 440 can be snap-together connectors, facilitating quick installation of the MEP system 300 in the building and connection of the MEP system 300 to electricity consuming devices in the building, such as lights, appliances, and power receptacles.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a method of installing an MEP appliance is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The MEP appliance may include features of the MEP appliance 100, communication system 200, communication and control system 250, and/or MEP system 300.

At 405, an MEP appliance is positioned at a location within or proximate to a building. The location may be an opening defined in a building envelope of the building. The location may be adjacent to the opening and within the building envelope, such that at least one side of the MEP appliance is exposed to an outside of the building through the opening. In some embodiments, the MEP appliance includes a housing defining a space and including at least one outdoor air input port, at least one exhaust input port, at least one return air input port, and at least one air output port coupled to an air treatment system occupying a first portion of the space, at least one electrical input port and at least one electrical output port coupled to an electric power system occupying a second portion of the space, at least one water input port, at least one unfiltered water output port, at least one unheated filtered water output port, and at least one heated filtered water output port coupled to a water treatment system occupying a third portion of the space, and at least one water drain port coupled to a water drain system occupying a fourth portion of the space. Positioning the MEP appliance may include moving the MEP appliance to the location using a forklift or pallet (e.g., which may be operated by a single person). Positioning the MEP appliance may include securing the MEP appliance to the building.

At 410, an electrical grid connection is coupled to the at least one electrical input port to provide electrical power to the electric power system.

At 415, at least one removable electrical coupler is coupled to the at least one electrical output port. The at least one removable electrical coupler can be used to connect the electric power system to various energy consuming devices in the building, such as lights and appliances. The removable electrical coupler may be a snap-together wiring harness.

At 420, at least one removable plumbing connector is connected to the at least one unfiltered water output port, the at least one unheated filtered water output port, and the at least one heated filtered water output port. The removable plumbing connector may be a push-together plumbing connector.

At 425, an input water source is coupled to the at least one water input port to provide water for the water treatment system. The water drain system may be coupled to a drain outside of the housing.

In some embodiments, at least one duct connector is connected to the at least one exhaust input port, the at least one return air input port, and the at least one air output port, to provide for air flow into and out of the building. The at least one duct connector may be a gasket duct connector.

In some embodiments, the air conditioning device is coupled to a heat pump disposed outside the building. For example, the air conditioning device and heat pump outside the building may function as a mini split heating and/or cooling system.

A solar power connection may be connected to a solar power port of he housing. The electrical power system may include an inverter for receiving electrical power from the solar array via the solar power connection.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations, such as for controlling operation of the various systems and apparatuses described herein, or for executing programs or other instructions using processing electronics or other electronic control hardware. Control systems hub 39 can include a processor and can include a memory. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) appliance for a building, comprising: a housing defining a space and including at least one outdoor air input port, at least one outdoor exhaust air output port, at least one exhaust air input port, at least one of (1) at least one return air input port or (2) at least one refrigerant output port, and at least one air supply output port coupled to an air treatment system occupying a first portion of the space, at least one electrical input port and at least one electrical output port coupled to an electric power system occupying a second portion of the space, at least one water input port, at least one unfiltered water output port, at least one unheated filtered water output port, and at least one heated filtered water output port coupled to a water treatment system occupying a third portion of the space, and at least one water drain port coupled to a water drain system occupying a fourth portion of the space; the electric power system including a breaker panel configured to divide electrical power received from an electrical power source connection via the at least one electrical input port into a plurality of electrical circuit feeds, and wherein the electric power system is configured to deliver, via a first internal connection within the housing, electrical power to the air treatment system via a first electrical circuit feed of the plurality of electrical circuit feeds; deliver, via a second internal connection within the housing, electrical power to the water treatment system via a second electrical circuit feed of the plurality of electrical circuit feeds; and deliver electrical power to the building via at least one third electrical circuit feed of the plurality of electrical circuit feeds through the at least one electrical output port; the air treatment system including i) a recovery ventilator configured to receive exhaust air from the building via the at least one exhaust input port, receive outdoor air from the at least one outdoor air input port, and use the exhaust air to precondition the outdoor air, supply the preconditioned outdoor air to the building through the at least one air supply output port, and output exhaust air through the at least one outdoor exhaust air output port; and ii) at least one of (1) an air conditioning device configured to receive return air from the at least one return air input port and condition the return air, or (2) a refrigerant manifold configured to transport refrigerant between a heat pump disposed outside of the building and one or more building air conditioning devices disposed within the building and remote from the housing via the at least one refrigerant output port, the one or more building air conditioning devices configured to condition air in the building using the refrigerant; the water treatment system including i) at least one water divider configured to receive water from outside the building via the at least one water input port, and divide the water into an unfiltered water flow for output to the building via the at least one unfiltered water output port and water flow to be filtered; ii) a water filter configured to receive the water flow to be filtered from the at least one water divider, filter the water flow to be filtered for the at least one water divider to divide into an unheated filtered water flow for output to the building via the at least one unheated filtered water output port and a water flow to be heated; and iii) a water heater configured to receive the water flow to be heated from the water filter, and heat the water flow to be heated into heated filtered water for output to the building via the at least one heated filtered water output port; and the water drain system configured to receive water from the hot water heater, the water filter, and the air conditioning device, and output the water from the housing to a drain via the at least one water drain port.
 2. The MEP appliance of claim 1, wherein the at least one outdoor air input port, at least one exhaust input port, at least one return air input port, at least one air output port, at least one electrical input port, at least one electrical output port, at least one water input port, at least one unfiltered water output port, at least one unheated filtered water output port, and at least one heated filtered water output port are mounted to the housing.
 3. The MEP appliance of claim 1, wherein the drain system is mounted to or fluidly coupled to a bottom surface of the housing.
 4. The MEP appliance of claim 1, wherein at least one of the air conditioning device or the refrigerant manifold is configured to be coupled to a heat pump disposed outside of the housing.
 5. The MEP appliance of claim 1, wherein the electric power system includes an inverter configured to receive electrical power from a solar array outside the building via a solar power port of the housing.
 6. The MEP appliance of claim 1, further comprising a fire suppression system occupying a fifth portion of the space, the fire suppression system configured to receive water from the at least water input port upstream of the water divider and output water having least one of a pressure greater than twenty psi or a flow rate greater than ten gallons per minute.
 7. The MEP appliance of claim 1, further comprising a control systems hub configured to receive information regarding operation of at least one of the water treatment system, the air treatment system, or the electric power system, and modify operation of the at least one of the water treatment system, the air treatment system, or the electric power system based on the received information.
 8. The MEP appliance of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of removable electrical couplers configured to connect the electric power system to a corresponding one or more electricity consuming devices in the building.
 9. The MEP appliance of claim 1, further comprising a waste heat recovery unit disposed within the housing, the waste heat recovery unit fluidly coupled to the air conditioning device and the water treatment system to exchange heat between air flowing through the air treatment device and water flowing through the water treatment system.
 10. The MEP appliance of claim 9, wherein the waste heat recovery unit flows water to and from the water heater.
 11. The MEP appliance of claim 1, wherein the water divider includes one or more valves configured to selectively flow water from the at least one water input port to the water filter and the water heater.
 12. A method of installing an integrated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) appliance, comprising: positioning the MEP appliance at a location within or proximate to a building, the MEP appliance including a housing defining a space and including at least one outdoor air input port, at least one outdoor exhaust air output port, at least one exhaust air input port, at least one of (1) at least one return air input port or (2) at least one refrigerant output port, and at least one air supply output port coupled to an air treatment system occupying a first portion of the space, at least one electrical input port and at least one electrical output port coupled to an electric power system occupying a second portion of the space, at least one water input port, at least one unfiltered water output port, at least one unheated filtered water output port, and at least one heated filtered water output port coupled to a water treatment system occupying a third portion of the space, and at least one water drain port coupled to a water drain system occupying a fourth portion of the space; coupling an electrical power source connection to the at least one electrical input port to provide electrical power to the electric power system; coupling at least one removable electrical coupler to the at least one electrical output port; coupling at least one removable plumbing connector to the at least one unfiltered water output port, the at least one unheated filtered water output port, and the at least one heated filtered water output port; and coupling an input water source to the at least one water input port to provide water for the water treatment system.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising coupling at least one duct connector to the at least one exhaust air input port, the at least one return air input port, and the at least one air supply output port.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one duct connector is a gasket duct connector.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising coupling a heat pump disposed outside the building to at least one of a refrigerant manifold or an air conditioning device of the air treatment system.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising a solar power connection to a solar power port of the housing, wherein the electrical power system includes an inverter for receiving electrical power from a solar array via the solar power connection.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the removable electrical couplers are snap-together wiring harnesses.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the removable plumbing connectors are push-together plumbing connectors.
 19. The method of claim 12, further comprising coupling the water drain system to a drain outside of the housing.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein positioning the MEP appliance includes securing the MEP appliance to the building. 